Clean Water $5.8 Billion Investment from Biden Administration

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Vice President Kamala Harris was present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, February 20. Alongside EPA Administrator Michael Regan the duo introduced the most recent allocation of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.

A total of $5.8 billion has been set aside to improve clean water infrastructure. The funding includes new technology to ensure drinking water does not become contaminated and the removal of lead pipelines. 

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested over $21 billion in national water infrastructure projects. 

Preventing Water Contamination

VP Harris sheds light on several issues across the nation that relate to clean drinking water. As severe weather events continue to intensify, there is a growing concern about wastewater contaminating drinking supplies.

“Let’s think about what has been happening in the south,” Harris said. “Where even moderate flooding can overwhelm sewage systems and contaminate drinking water.” Drinking contaminated water can lead to a number of health risks. 

Flood water, which is often a mix of sewage and stormwater, can enter clean water filtration facilities. If E. coli or salmonella is present in drinking water it can cause life-threatening illnesses. 

Replacing Lead Pipes

Another issue with America’s water infrastructure is lead pipes. Approximately 9.2 million lead pipes are still in service across the nation. The new multi-billion dollar investment will work to lower this number. 

The Biden Administration has prioritized reducing lead contamination, considering it an environmental justice issue. Lead is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant people as it can cause lasting developmental deficits. Adults exposed to lead also face a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, reproductive issues, and mood disorders. 

One of the most infamous cases of lead water contamination of our time is in Flint, Michigan. Located 66 miles northwest of Detriot, the city of Flint experienced a water crisis starting in 2016.

The issue first emerged when the city switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The river was heavily polluted due to industrial dumping perpetrated by General Motors. Nearly eight years later, the government says the water is safe to drink but residents still have their doubts. 

“While lead pipes were once standard in all communities, today not all communities are impacted the same way,” Harris said during Tuesday’s announcement. “Yes it is an infrastructure matter, but it is also a public health matter,” Harris continued.  

The use of lead used to be more common than it is today. Previously, companies had used lead in all types of products, from cosmetics to paint. In 1978, after the dangers of lead paint became of greater concern to the public, the U.S. banned the use of lead-based paints. Decades later, lead pipes are still in service across the nation. 

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Disparities in Water Quality

Water safety often varies depending on where you live. For instance, water quality is often worse in rural areas which typically consist of minority and low-income communities. 

Part of the Biden/Harris push to lessen the burdens of environmental justice includes decreasing water quality disparities. 

Before the government invested in water infrastructure many households were financially responsible for converting their lead pipes to non-toxic ones. This left many low-income families unable to invest in clean water. 

Rural communities are the last areas to receive the latest technology. High-speed internet is slow to reach rural areas as internet providers are for-profit companies. Recently, government funding has helped to bridge that gap. A nearly $90 billion investment has helped to broaden connectivity in rural and underserved communities. This also includes tribal lands. 

Another reason rural communities can fall behind is because they have less taxpayer revenue to update antiquated technology and infrastructure. Limited access to education and high-paying jobs continues to hamper economic growth in rural towns.